Abstract: An apparatus for biological control of agricultural pests and for reducing damage to crops. The apparatus includes a container for holding biological organisms or material. The container also includes first and second ends and an opening formed at the first end for receiving the biological organisms. The apparatus has a dispensing port disposed at the second end for dispensing the biological organisms over a target location. The apparatus further includes an auger, driven by a motor and having a plurality of spiral like wire brushes, said auger mounted to and driven by a first motor; a spreader motor mount having a motor mount holding area for holding a second motor, the spreader motor mount having a motor mount connection area for connecting to the second end; and a spreader agitating device used for spreading the biological organisms or material over the target location.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for raising and feeding debris such as fallen branches from an orchard floor to a processor such as a wood-chipper is provided. The conveyor assembly comprises a body including a floor having a leading end for location adjacent ground level and a trailing end for location above the leading end in use. A ground contact arrangement is located toward the leading end extends beneath the leading end to thereby raise the leading end above ground level. A powered leading feed roller is disposed adjacent the leading end of the floor to direct members from ground on to the floor. A powered, primary infeed roller is located rearward the leading infeed roller and is arranged to move toward and away from the floor to accommodate members between said roller and the floor and urge the members, such as fallen branches rearward for entry into an inlet of the wood-chipper.

Abstract: An agricultural application implement for delivering particulate product to a field. The implement includes a frame, a bin to hold product, a pneumatic conveying system fixed to the frame, a metering system operably connected between the supply compartment and the pneumatic conveying system, and a bin lift system. The pneumatic conveying system includes an airflow source to provide an airflow, and a delivery line operably connected to the airflow source and to the bin. The delivery line includes a plurality of outlets. The metering system meters product with the airflow to result in a mixed flow of airflow and product for the delivery line. The bin lift system includes hydraulic cylinders coupling the bin to the frame, and a bin lift controller to control the hydraulic cylinders to raise or lower the bin.

Abstract: A system for treating a contaminated soil. The system includes a soil receptacle, a first conveyance mechanism in communication with the soil receptacle, and a second conveyance mechanism in communication with the first conveyance mechanism. The second conveyor is placed lower relative to the first conveyor so that the contaminated soil drops in elevation as it passes from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. One or more pretreatment sprayers are positioned substantially at a junction between the first conveyor and the second conveyor and that spray the contaminated soil as it moves from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. One or more sprayers are also positioned on the second conveyor such that they can spray the contaminated soil as it passes. An aerator is located at a depositing end of the second conveyor, by which the contaminated soil is further aerated as it drops of the depositing end of the second conveyor and contacts the aerator.

Abstract: A material spreading system including a spreader and a tote, and related methods, are disclosed. The spreader may include a frame attachable to a loading machine such as a skid loader, an inlet for receiving a material, one or more connector members, and a discharge mechanism configured to selectively discharge the material onto the ground. The tote may include a container for storing the material and one or more connector members. The connector members of the tote may be configured to matingly engage the connector members of the spreader such that an opening in the container aligns with the inlet of the spreader. Accordingly, the material in the container may be transferred from the container to the spreader. Furthermore, the material spreading system may be used in various application including those involving the spread of granular and/or liquid de-icing material over the ground.

Abstract: A material spreader attached to and towed by an agricultural vehicle for spreading material such as organic material and fertilizers over a ground surface. The material spreader having a containment box and a material expeller, the expeller having rotating flails positioned along a substantially vertical axis with one or more sets of paddles swingably connected to the flails and the paddles are axially spaced apart along the flail above and below the material spreader floor a desired distance to enhance flow-through of rocks, manure and other organic material and fertilizers.

Abstract: The hitch bar with swivel has a proximal portion that attaches removably to the conventional receiver hitch receptacle of a supporting vehicle and a distal portion for supporting an apparatus, e.g., spreader for distributing animal feed, etc., thereon. The distal bar portion is positioned to overlay the proximal portion and to place the supported apparatus close to the rear of the supporting vehicle during operations in order to reduce the lever arm and corresponding bending loads on the hitch receptacle. The distal portion of the bar may be swiveled clear of the rear of the vehicle to allow the rear door (tailgate, rear hatch, etc.) of the vehicle to be opened when the vehicle is stopped. The distal bar portion and apparatus supported thereon have a combined length preferably less than half the width of the vehicle, permitting the bar to be swiveled freely without extending laterally beyond the vehicle.

Abstract: A granular spreader having a V-shaped hopper for distribution of oil absorbing granules can be used on race track spills. The granular spreader is towed by a vehicle such as a pickup truck during racing intervals. A rotatable scrubber is affixed to the hopper which can be lowered by an electric winch to contact the race track to urge the deposited granules into the spilled liquid. A pair of flexible flaps are affixed to the bottom of the hopper to assist in distribution and to prevent the fine granule particles from being blown away before contacting the spilled liquids. A cart is also provided for storing the granular spreader during periods of non-use.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing dust emissions from particulate commodities such as wheat or coal using a curved loading spoon connected to the discharge from a loading spout. The curved loading spoon turns particulate commodities delivered at a rate above a predetermined delivery velocity against a curved outer wall causing dust arising from the particulate commodities to be re-entrained within the commodities as they are diverted from a straight path by the curvature. Also described are an optional flap designed to rest just above the surface of the commodities stream adjacent the outlet, and a converging duct located upstream of the curve loading spoon and arranged to direct commodities against the curved outer wall adjacent the inlet.

Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for removably mounting a hopper spreader to a trailer hitch of a vehicle includes an elongated mounting bar adapted to be secured to the hopper spreader and a hitch adapter carried by the mounting bar which is adapted to be received by the trailer hitch for supporting the hopper spreader on the vehicle. A stabilizing assembly carried by the mounting bar includes stabilizing arms that extend outwardly on opposite sides of the hitch adapter for engaging an undersurface of the vehicle for stabilizing the hopper spreader against rotation about the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A manure loading and spreading trailer includes a trailer chassis having at least two wheels rotatably mounted thereon and a trailer body mounted on the trailer chassis which includes a forward scoop section having an open forward face into which manure on the ground is scooped. A paddle scraper is mounted adjacent the forward scoop section within the trailer body for engaging and transferring manure scooped into the forward scoop section into the trailer body, and a trailer body conveyor belt is mounted on the base of the trailer body for transferring the manure from the forward scoop section rearwards towards the rear of the trailer body. A manure spreader is mounted on the rear of the trailer body, the manure spreader operative to engage manure being fed rearwards on the conveyor belt and spread the manure behind the trailer body thereby utilizing the manure collected by the trailer.

Abstract: A sprinkling appliance (1) comprising a reservoir (2), a metering means (3) and a preferably compressed-air actuated conveying and dispensing (5), respectively, for dispensing the sprinkling material, wherein the metering means (3) for metering sprinkling material has at least one conveyer or closure surface (19), respectively, capable of being rotated about an axis of rotation (4?).

Abstract: An insulation installation system including: a supply of material having discrete elements and a self-contained applicator. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the insulation installation system further includes a work platform. The self-contained applicator includes a blower having an inlet and an outlet; a material feeder downstream from the blower; and an integrated electrical system adapted for household use. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the self-contained applicator includes a vented air intake connected to the inlet of the blower.

Abstract: An aggregate spreader having a container, a mounting flange, and a spreading assembly is provided. The container has an aggregate receiving cavity. The mounting flange extends from the container to removably connect the container to a stick of a tractor so that the container is movable by a hydraulic cylinder of the tractor between a spreading position and a loading position. The spreading assembly spreads aggregate disposable in the aggregate receiving cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for dispensing chemical material, and in particular, granular, agricultural material, from a moving device driven over terrain to be treated with the material. A metering system for dispersing the material includes on apertured metering disk positioned above a rotatable impeller. The apertured disk meters material from a product container, by gravity feed, onto the impeller below at a rate proportional to the linear speed at which the apparatus is driven to dispense material at a uniform density over the terrain. The metering disk is a component of a product container which is removably mounted to the device. The impeller rotates at a constant speed to disperse the deposited material at a uniform distance from the apparatus, and the position on which the material is deposited on the impeller is adjustable.

Abstract: An improved spreader assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The improved spreader assembly includes a hopper and a retaining arrangement. The hopper has an upper section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a base surface adapted to at least partially rest on a top surface of the bumper. The retaining arrangement includes a band that fits at least about a portion of a front face of the upper section of the hopper. One end of the band is adapted to connect to the vehicle to maintain at least a portion of a back face of the upper section at least closely adjacent to the tailgate of the vehicle.

Abstract: A deflector assembly located within the interior of a trailer for distributing dry bulk during loading of the dry bulk into the interior of the trailer. The deflector assembly comprises a deflector and an air cylinder. The deflector has a deflecting surface capable of deflecting the dry bulk being loaded into the interior of the trailer. The deflector moves from an opened position to a deflecting position upon a flow of compressed air from an air source to the air cylinder.

Abstract: A deflector assembly located within the interior of a trailer for distributing dry bulk during loading of the dry bulk into the interior of the trailer. The deflector assembly comprises a deflector having a deflecting surface. The deflector has an opened position and a deflecting position, wherein the deflecting surface is not situated to deflect the dry bulk when the deflector is in the opened position and the deflecting surface is situated to deflect the dry bulk when the deflector is in the deflecting position.

Abstract: A dump bed highway maintenance vehicle is provided with a removable tailgate which is formed of a tailgate frame having a pivotal connection with the truck dump bed which is spaced rearwardly from a normal pivot connection and contains a brine tank assemblage extending through the frame above a cross-bed auger. By so extending the brine tank assemblage through the frame, the center of gravity of the pivot mounted tailgate resides in a vertical plane extending through the outwardly displaced frame pivot mechanism. The forward wall of the brine tank assemblage is slanted forwardly upwardly to define a cross section resembling an inverted truncated right triangle.

Abstract: A single laterally elongated seed hopper on a multi-row planter which can be pivoted from its elevated or raised operating position on the planter to a lowered position on the ground to the rear of the planter making it easier to re-fill with seed, including a hopper support member on the planter on which the hopper seats when in its raised operating position, a plurality of feeding tubes leading from discharge ports of the support member through which seed is fed from the hopper to respective ones of the plurality of seed planting assemblies that meter and deposit seed in each row being planted, pivot arms at each side connected between the hopper on each side thereof and support frames on each side of the planter to pivot the hopper between its raised operating position and its lowered re-filling position, and hydraulic cylinders connected to operate the pivot arms powered and controlled by the hydraulic system of the tractor which pulls the planter.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning, distributing and aereating grain is mounted in a storage structure and includes a frustro-conical screen device secured symetrically to an imperforate funnel-shaped member. A fan assembly is secured to the funnel-shaped body and is provided with a conduit which extends to the exterior. An adjustable control spout permits uniform distribution of grain upon the screen device where the fine material passes through the apertures in the screen while the grain is discharged into the storage structure. After the cleaning and distribution of steps are completed, the apparatus will then be inverted to position the screen device in the concave crater of the grain pile while positioning the funnel shaped body and fan assembly uppermost. The fan assembly will be energized to aereate the grain and present damage due to mold or fungus.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning, distributing and aereating grain is mounted in a storage structure and includes a frustro-conical screen device secured symetrically to an imperforate funnel-shaped member. A fan assembly is secured to the funnel-shaped body and is provided with a conduit which extends to the exterior. An adjustable control spout permits uniform distribution of grain upon the screen device where the fine material passes through the apertures in the screen while the grain is discharged into the storage structure. After the cleaning and distribution of steps are completed, the apparatus will then be inverted to position the screen device in the concave crater of the grain pile while positioning the funnel shaped body and fan assembly uppermost. The fan assembly will be energized to aereate the grain and present damage due to mold or fungus.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both values so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a particulate material thrower comprising an endless belt running over a pair of rollers which provides a loading end and discharge end on the belt, and a thrower wheel running adjacent to the belt over the roller at the discharge end. The thrower wheel is characterized by a plurality of vanes extending between the side flanges of the thrower wheel wherein the vanes are shaped in a manner so as to collect material on the belt before throwing. One advantage of the invention is to significantly increase the amount of acceleration that can be given to particles or other particulate matter without such energy being imparted to the materials quickly or in single step so that the material such as grain is not damaged. Another advantage of the invention is that it reduces side spillage or leakage from the belt.

Abstract: An applicator for the delivery of dry and liquid materials to turf areas.

Abstract: A grain spreader for being mounted within a grain bin directly beneath the inlet opening in the roof structure of the grain bin for causing any grain introduced into the grain bin through the inlet opening to be evenly spread within the grain bin. The spreader includes a funnel positioned directly beneath the inlet opening for initially receiving the grain passing through inlet opening, a chute positioned directly beneath the funnel for receiving grain from the funnel, a motor for causing the chute to slowly rotate, and a deflector positioned beneath the chute for receiving grain from the chute as the chute rotates and for directing the grain radially outward and downward from the funnel.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding wood chips and the like into a treatment bin includes a feed tube assembly adapted to lead into the bin at a non-zero angle relative to the horizon. A plate is supported underneath the lower end of the feed tube assembly to collect in a mound wood chips fed through the feed tube. The height of the lower end of the feed tube assembly is adjusted so that the lower end of the feed tube assembly engages the mound of wood chips and thereby forms a seal with the mound. A plow is supported between the plate and the lower end of the feed tube assembly. Either the plate is stationary and the plow rotates or the plow is stationary and the plate rotates to knock wood whips from the mound off the plate. The apparatus optionally includes a feed screw mounted within and longitudinally of the feed tube assembly to compress the wood chips into the mound.

Abstract: Silage distributor apparatus has an upper annular stationary member disposed about a flowing silage stream, a silage distributing chute, and a lower annular member rotatably mounted to the upper annular member for disposing the chute in the path of the flowing silage stream. A drive track in the form of a row of apertures is defined on the lower annular member and a drive sprocket is rotatably mounted on the upper annular member and disposed in driving relation with the drive track. A drive motor is removably mounted on the upper annular member and has a rotary output shaft which when the motor is mounted on the upper member is drivingly interengaged with the drive sprocket and when the motor is dismounted therefrom becomes disengaged from the drive sprocket. A sensor is connected to the motor for removal with it and has a contact finger disposed across the path of a row of pins projecting from the lower annular member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for distributing particulate material substantially evenly over a square receiving area are disclosed, the apparatus comprising a rotatable trough having a discharge slot positioned along its length.

Abstract: An agricultural particulate feeder controls the rate of particulate distribution to a surface being worked. The particlate feeder comprises a hopper with a sliding door over a discharge outlet at a lower end of the hopper. A frame supports the particulate feeder and has an elongated tube extending longitudinally under the discharge outlet of the hopper, the tube forming an element of the frame. A particulate metering cylinder is positioned between the outlet and door of the hopper and a particulate inlet in the elongated tube and is rotatably mounted on a drive shaft. A housing encases the cylinder and forms an enclosure connecting the hopper outlet and the tube inlet. One side of the housing is removable to allow lateral access to the metering cylinder inside the housing. In addition, longitudinal removal of the drive shaft permits lateral removal of the metering cylinder from the housing.

Abstract: A mechanism for the granulometric distribution of solid particles being loaded into a vessel of relatively large dimensions, such as a process reactor, blast furnace, silo, incinerator, dryer, etc., from equipment of small dimensions in relation to the vessel, includes a feed hopper which has an outlet opening that can be variably positioned within the mechanism to introduce the solid particles into a chamber located above the uppermost ends of a plurality of concentric, inclined, preferably conical or pyramidal surfaces. The latter define respective generally downwardly directed free flow paths for the particles to conduct them to a lower location where they enter the upper ends of a corresponding plurality of concentric sets of descending tubes. The discharge ends of the tubes where they feed into the vessel being charged are disposed in a symmetric array.

Abstract: A dry coal fuel supply system for a gas turbine engine includes a continuous loop conveyor pump having a plurality of positive displacement pistons connected by a cable and driven by a variable speed motor with respect to an atmospheric reservoir filled with powdered coal and the continuous loop includes a dual stage coal pick-up for assuring coal fill of the conveyor system to accurately meter coal therefrom in accordance with the speed of the variable drive motor for driving the conveyor and wherein the system includes an improved sealed discharge manifold means for directing a controlled amount of the compressor discharge air of the gas turbine engine to a plurality of air jets for blasting high pressure air across the coal pump pistons to direct a fluidized powdered coal mixture into a downstream, closely associated fuel nozzle system for a gas turbine engine combustor.

Abstract: A material unloader for forage or the like includes a closed box-type body having interior unloading mechanism for delivering material to an exterior chute and has at least one, and preferably two, latchable closures for providing access to the body interior. The unloading mechanism is designed for connection to a source of power exteriorly of the body and locking apparatus on the closures is arranged for purposes of safety so that the unloading mechanism must be rendered inoperable to effect the opening of any closure and cannot be made operable while any closure is open and affording access to such mechanism. This unloader may be mounted on a wheeled chassis for towing or mounted on a self-propelled vehicle.

Abstract: A machine for spreading material in granular and powder form which comprises a hopper-shaped supply container and a distributing mechanism receptive of material from the container for spreading same during movement of the machine. The container has inwardly and downwardly extending walls, wherein the upper edge of the rear container wall, when the machine is in the loading position and untilted, has a distance from the ground which is smaller than the minimum distance from the ground to the edge of a dump body of a transport vehicle when the dump body is in the tilted position. The front container wall and the side container walls each include an upwardly extending prolongation connected thereto. The prolongations of the side container walls adjoin the prolongation of the front container wall.

Abstract: A flail type manure spreader is provided with a hood that is mounted for bodily movement transversely of the spreader container between a first position in which its discharge side is generally contiguous to the discharge side of the container and a second position in which it straddles the other side of the container. The hood has end walls outside the container end walls that have rollers near the hood discharge side which ride in tracks on the container end walls, and the second side of the hood is carried on links which are mounted on a torsion tube that extends the length of the container. A hydraulic piston is operatively connected to one of the links to move the hood. Overlapping portions of the container end walls and the hood end walls make an effective seal located internally of the tracks, to protect the tracks and rollers from being fouled.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is capable of loading, transporting and shredding a large bale of material. The apparatus is of a vehicle trailer type and is equipped with a box or housing unit type that is open only at the rear side of the vehicle. The apparatus has a combination tailgate and lift structure which functions as a fork lift to load and move a bale of material into the housing unit and, after such delivery, to automatically function as a tail gate to close the rear side of the housing unit. A floor conveyor within the housing moves the baled material forwardly into the path of a bale shredder which is of a flail type. The shredded material is then blown or moved by the shredder into an auger at the forward end of the housing unit for discharge into a feed bunk or storage bin.

Abstract: A machine for tearing apart stacked crop material bales has a pivotal load bed with stack clamping mechanisms arranged about the bed for retrieving a stack of crop material bales by placing the load bed in an upright retrieving position, moving the upright load bed alongside the stack, actuating the clamp mechanisms to engage and retain the bale stack against the load bed and then pivoting the load bed with the stack retained thereon from the upright position to a horizontal position. A fore-and-aft moveable rolling rack mounted transversely across the load bed will advance the entire stack longitudinally along the load bed from time to time to position a leading vertical transversely-extending tier of bales, in a succession of such vertical tiers which form the stack, onto a horizontal platform positioned along one end of the load bed.

Abstract: A liquid manure spreader having a tank for carrying liquid manure. An auger assembly driven by a power takeoff from a tractor delivers the manure to a pump mounted on the back of the tank. The pump discharges the material through a spreading structure. A valve operated by a hydraulic cylinder controls the flow of manure from the pump to the spreading structure. The spreading structure has a horizontal plate that directs the material in a wide, relatively low spread pattern onto the ground. The tank has a fill hole equipped with a safety grid assembly.

Abstract: A liquid manure transport implement is provided with a vertically retractable loader and a spreader which are arranged to fit neatly within the general width and height dimensions of the manure tank on the rear end of the latter. An internally carried conveyor unit, associated with the loader and the spreader, has a pair of parallel, opposite lead augers mounted over the tank bottom in juxtaposition to the latter for swirling and agitating the manure within the tank and for concurrently functioning as conveyors during loading and unloading. The externally disposed spreader has a sump which extends slightly below the bottom of the tank to facilitate delivery of manure to the spreader by the conveyor unit during unloading of the tank.